Every year around this time, we make ourselves crazy with dreams of the perfect holiday. The simple key to a merry little season? Stay present and invest in experiences. And there’s no better place to stay present than at a show. It’s a chance to get together, tune out the world and tune in to the moment. Plus, all you have to do is buy a ticket – and voila! Instant memories.

No matter what experience you’re seeking, here’s a list of holiday shows to add some magic to your season:

It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!

Family-Friendly

Milwaukee has no shortage of performances the whole family can enjoy. Holiday traditions, new favorites, dance spectacles, movies with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra – there’s something for everyone who is young or young at heart.

1. The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza

NOV. 21-DEC. 28 | FIRST STAGE

Mo Willems said “don’t let the pigeon drive the bus.” But did he ever say “don’t let the pigeon have a big time holiday extravaganza”? This First Stage world-premiere musical stars your kids’ favorite characters (Elephant and Piggie, too!) for 75 minutes of silly stories and catchy tunes.

2. A Christmas Carol

NOV. 25-DEC. 24 | PABST THEATER

Celebrating its 50th anniversary at the Milwaukee Rep, this Charles Dickens classic is a timeless tradition for Milwaukee families. Milwaukee’s devastating summer floods destroyed the original set, which is now being rebuilt in time for the holidays – a stunning feat for a dazzling show you don’t want to miss.

3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

NOV. 25-30 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The Grinch is coming to Milwaukee to kick off the season this Thanksgiving weekend. All the Whos down in Whoville know that this show is a surefire winner for families.

4. ‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil

NOV. 26-30 | MILLER HIGH LIFE THEATRE

If impressive stunts are more your speed, leave the holiday magic to Cirque du Soleil. Based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore, this touring show promises the gift of circus-style thrills.

5. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in Concert

NOV. 28-30 | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER

If you haven’t been to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s “film with orchestra,” the holidays are the perfect excuse to try something new. A festive John Williams score played live alongside this 1992 classic at the gorgeous Bradley Symphony Center – it’s a special outing that can’t be beat.

**6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert**

DEC. 5-7 | THE RIVERSIDE THEATER

While Harry Potter isn’t really a holiday movie, anyone who grew up with ABC Family’s “25 Days of Christmas” knows that they sure tried to make it one. So lean into the nostalgia and that one scene where it snows in the Great Hall.

7. The Nutcracker

DEC. 6-DEC. 26 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Whisk the family away to the magical world of Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium. This dreamy ballet features nearly 200 dancers, including students of Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy. Milwaukee Ballet reimagined the production in 2023, so if you’ve yet to see it, prepare to be enchanted.

8. Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

DEC. 6 | MILLER HIGH LIFE THEATRE

You can never have too much Nutcracker. Although this international touring ballet dances to the same Tchaikovsky score, whimsical puppetry and powerful acrobatic choreography set this production apart from Milwaukee’s own.

9. Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play

DEC. 13-21 | FORTE THEATRE COMPANY

Prepare to be charmed by this musical radio-show production of a timeless classic. Adapted from the 1947 radio broadcast, Miracle on 34th Street is the story of Kris Kringle, a man who claims to be the real Santa Claus. Ask the kids after: Do you believe?

10. Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular

DEC. 20 | THE RIVERSIDE THEATER

A magic show takes the wonder of the season in a new direction. The jaw-dropping illusions are a spectacle that’s sure to inspire the imagination – and conversation on the drive home.

Plays & Musicals

’Tis the season to treat yourself to something different for date night, girls’ night or guys’ night out. Whether you’re looking for a warm fuzzy feeling or some laugh-out-loud cheer, these home-grown and touring plays and musicals have you covered.

11. It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play

OCT. 31-DEC. 21 | MILWAUKEE REP

Revel in this nostalgic story with a 1940s live-radio production. Backed up with vintage sound effects, five multitalented actors portray dozens of characters to bring this story to life with humor and heart.

12. A Drag Queen Christmas

NOV. 22 | THE RIVERSIDE THEATER

Hosted by Nina West, this is the longest-running drag tour in America with your favorite queens performing live on stage. If there’s one show on this list worthy of a “sleigh” pun, this would be it. Note: This is an 18+ show.

13. Christmas with C.S. Lewis

NOV. 30 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Actor David Payne has performed as C.S. Lewis in more than 1,000 productions, in front of nearly 750,000 people. In Christmas with C.S. Lewis, the audience is treated to nostalgic Yuletide recollections – including Lewis’ encounter with J.R.R. Tolkien, which changed the way Lewis viewed Christmas and Christianity forever.

14. A Christmas Carol

DEC. 5-7 | UPLIFTING MANSION

This one-person take on the Charles Dickens classic is staged by Pink Umbrella Theater Co. and features actor Clayton Mortl. Pink Umbrella focuses on creating accessible theater for all and prioritizes providing a platform for artists with disabilities. All performances of A Christmas Carol take place at Uplifting Mansion and offer tiered pricing from barrier free ($0/ticket) to pay-it-forward ($30/ticket).

15. All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

DEC. 10-23 | CALVARY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

This is Vanguard’s fourth anniversary performance of All is Calm, the incredible true story of the WWI Christmas when English and German soldiers laid down their weapons and celebrated the holidays together. Performed at Calvary Presbyterian Church, the show promises a stirring men’s a capella experience.

16. Black Nativity

DEC. 11-14 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Black Nativity is back for its 10th anniversary in Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall. This joyous holiday musical by Langston Hughes tells the story of the Nativity through scripture, poetry, dance and song from the African American perspective. Each year, Black Arts MKE showcases Milwaukee-based pros, including seasoned and emerging theater talent of color.

17. The Golden Girls Holiday Special 2025

DEC. 11-21 | LACAGE NITECLUB

Go where the holidays are a drag – in the best way. Join Purse String Productions for their annual Golden Girls show, back for another year at LaCage Niteclub. This campy bit of musical theater is locally beloved for being laugh out loud and an all-around delight.

18. Jack Frost Roasting

DEC. 19-20 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Tired of the same old traditions? Dash on over to The Second City’s Jack Frost Roasting. They promise roasts of classic holiday movies and family gatherings, complete with songs, sketches, improv and all kinds of irreverence. Leave the kids at home.

Christmas Choirs

Looking for something more sacred for your holiday season? Milwaukee is home to an array of choirs that can give a spiritual experience.

19. Handel’s Messiah

NOV. 21-23 | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER

The Milwaukee Symphony’s Baroque tradition is back at the Bradley Symphony Center – and the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season. Conducting is Nicholas McGegan, a world-renowned conductor of Handel’s music.

20. Prelude to Christmas

NOV. 30 | ATONEMENT LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Lutheran Chorale of Milwaukee promises beautiful voices raised in Christmas song at this annual concert. Expect traditional hymns rather than a sing-along. This choral event is free to attend, but goodwill offerings are encouraged.

21. Resounding Joy: Christmas at the Basilica of St. Josaphat

DEC. 5-7 | BASILICA OF SAINT JOSAPHAT

Bringing comfort and joy to the Milwaukee basilica, this yearly hour-long choral concert features classic carols and songs of the season. Since 1930, Bel Canto Chorus has represented Milwaukee on international tours with a roster of about 100 local professional and amateur singers.

22. St. Sava Christmas Concert 2025

DEC. 6 | ST. SAVA SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL

This free event (donations welcome) would be a lovely way to dip a toe into choral concerts. Combining Chant Claire and the Stevan Sijacki Choir of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, this annual Christmas concert runs approximately 75 minutes with no intermission.

23. Christmas with the Choristers: With Glory and Good Will

DEC. 12-13 | SABER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Featuring the Concord Chamber Orchestra, this choral concert from the Milwaukee Choristers features festive favorites and timeless carols designed to fill hearts with joy. Stay after the performance for a reception complete with cookies, punch and a raffle. Performances will be held at the Saber Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Jazz & Classics

From intimate Charlie Brown jazz to the big sounds of Mannheim Steamroller, these holiday classics make for an unforgettable, music-forward night on the town.

24. The Commercialists: Charlie Brown Christmas

DEC. 5 AT BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER | DEC. 23 AT TURNER HALL BALLROOM

The Commercialists have made a name for themselves with their yearly Charlie Brown Christmas set, featuring music of the Vince Guaraldi Trio. It’s such a popular show that there are now three ways to catch it: At the Bradley Symphony Center on Dec. 5, at Turner Hall on Dec. 23 and at The Estate (formerly The Jazz Estate) Dec. 9-21. The intimate Jazz Estate run is already sold out. Plan ahead for next year: Sign up for The Commercialists’ mailing list to be first in line.

25. Jazz at The Estate

DEC. 4: GIL JAZZ CHRISTMAS | DEC. 5: A JERRY GRILLO CHRISTMAS

If you missed out on Charlie Brown tickets at The Estate, look alive: there are other Christmas-themed sets coming this December. GIL Jazz Christmas swings through on Dec. 4 with old standards and some seasonal tunes. On Dec. 5, The Estate welcomes Jerry Grillo, blending the cozy charm of holiday classics with his own signature charisma.

26. Hometown Holiday Pops

DEC. 13-21 | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER

With the full symphony orchestra, symphony chorus, Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble, an audience sing-along and Santa himself, this pops experience is a festive favorite for a reason. Add a pre-show Santa brunch to make this an outing the whole family can get excited about.

27. Candlelight Concerts

DEC. 18 AND 21 AT ST. JAMES 1868 | DEC. 20 AT HILTON MILWAUKEE

Candlelight Concerts bring audiences into unique venues for orchestral music set to a candlelit glow. There are two holiday-themed performances happening this season: Christmas Carols on Strings at St. James will feature a lineup of traditional hymns from “Deck the Halls” to “Silent Night.” Christmas Classics at the Hilton Milwaukee promises greater variety, like hits by Mariah Carey and Wham!

28. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis

DEC. 21 | THE RIVERSIDE THEATER

A holiday tradition for over 35 years, Mannheim Steamroller are their own brand of holiday classic. With 15 artists playing over 20 instruments against a backdrop of multimedia effects, this show aims to dazzle the senses.

Concert Lovers

If your preferred home for the holidays is somewhere like The Riverside or Turner Hall, these out-of-town acts are just the thing for your wish list.